Originally Posted by antarius
As far as just giving him the loot and hoping for the best.... why?
Someone runs up to you, threatens to kill you by shoving a shotgun in your face, and you're going to take his or her word that they won't hurt you if you do what they ask? No thank you.
They've already shown to have bad judgement, shown that they are not people you can trust, and that they already have the intent or at least willingness to end your life; Why in the world would you enter into a verbal contract with them?
People need to get over this thought that "they just want my wallet." No, they want to end your life. By pointing that gun at you they've already shown the intent to end your life, so you aren't fighting for your wallet -- you're fighting for your life.
No, typically all they want is your money. They are using the gun and their words to intimidate you into giving them the money. Are you gambling that's all they want? Yes. But if you fight, you're gambling that you have the skill (and luck) to win in the end because that is the end game. 4with firearms vs. 1 with a knife that's out of reach is not great odds in a fight. Do you think on average people can win in a situation like that? The Marine won because he got lucky that the second firearm malfunctioned. He could've just as easily been shot, and then the headlines would be very different.
Why am I giving them the wallet and hoping for the best? Because I'm choosing my fights, and trying to avoid those I am unlikely to win. Giving them the wallet != don't fight. It means that you're doing what you can to defuse the situation because it is greatly stacked against you, but being prepared to fight if it becomes necessary.